LiberA

The forthcoming full-length release from German-Australian pianist / composer Max Petersen is titled LiberA. This fusion of the feminine and masculine aspects of the Roman god of freedom is very telling. It evokes the notion of pursuing freedoms: personal, civil, musical, and creative. It also speaks to an active engagement with the synthesis of apparent opposites: jazz / classical, synthetic / acoustic, formally restrictive / improvisationally unbound.

Most of this material was written for different configurations, that together form an ensemble, called “Double-Trio”: i.e. a formal fusion of Max’s classical (piano, violin, cello) and jazz piano trio (piano plus rhythm section). The result is not only a highly nuanced interpolation of genres, but a tension-producing interplay between distinct musical traditions, languages and approaches to composition and performance. At the level of instrumentation, additional colors were added; vocals were introduced (through the works of Korean Singer and Composer, Song Yi Jeon) and the acoustic-only soundscape was embellished by the addition of modular synthesis.

The compositional work for the record started in the summer of 2020. Most of the material was recorded in a series of sessions in the first quarter of 2021, under the guidance of producer Valentin Liechti. All of the instrumentalists involved were given the freedom and agency to participate in actively shaping the material, which allowed it to mature organically. The post-production, which leaned heavy into sound design and detailed work with electro-acoustic elements, took place in late spring / early summer of 2021.

LiberA is a very personal record, one full of vivid macro and micro snapshots of life, each rendered through a prism of an intimate dialogue with the players involved. It features a tender eulogy (Thilo), a tribute to progressive politics (Pete Buttigieg) and a vignette of life in a commune founded in the Swiss Jura (Crémines). The album also features songs about nature and shamanism (Song and Stars), family, love, and memory (Ocean), exorcising your demons (Get Out of Me), the thrill of running through your favorite forest (Eschenwald), and the freedom that comes with dropping out of social media (No SM). There is also a song which was written as a commission for a collaborative dance piece (Trio for Zoë).

LiberA is an exercise in freedom. LiberA is the cohesive eclectic. LiberA is both utopian and realistic. LiberA is a choice.

- Lukasz Polowczyk


This music is the result of the work I have done over the past three years. It’s an investigation into classical composition and interpretation, one that embraces the concept of free improvisation from the classical and jazz perspectives. It’s also a close collaboration with people that I truly believe in; which is true for everyone with whom I created this album.

LiberA would not be what it is if not for the pandemic. During this strange and precarious time, something began to crack and lead to a political awakening that deeply affected many of us, not only as artists but also as citizens and neighbors. As we move into this new era, fraught with uncertainty, our artistry is undergoing a fundamental transformation; and with that, something liberating is starting to manifest. While many are still swayed by hype and blame, some are finding the courage to listen to their dreams. LiberA is dedicated to those who keep listening, even though, at times, they are standing alone.

- Max Petersen


Special thanks to:
Fabian, Kolja, Song Yi, Isa, Cosi and Val for your trust and turning this music into what it is today. Zoë, Hongsoo, Melody and Daniel for the videos; Lukasz and Maciej for the visuals; Manuel for the mix; Malcolm, Claire and the Crémines crew; Stephanie for your support and help. My friends Kay, Abby, Melo, Rahel, Lucca, Anatole and Isa for moral support. Mum and Dad for your constant love.